Local Mask-making effort

Brian Eggart

Face-masks from the Keweenaw

Face-masks from the Keweenaw is a local volunteer group currently making reusable cloth face masks to protect wearers from airborne particles that could contain the novel coronavirus. The design for the mask was created and approved by U.P. Health Systems infection control. The group currently has 500+ volunteers. To date over 1,000 masks sewn in final assembly. The mission is to produce 10,000 masks which will be distributed across Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga counties to organizations including hospital, law enforcement, nursing homes, package/mail delivery and local retail workers providing essential goods and services. Individuals and businesses have been helping with donations, but additional funding is needed to procure the materials to continue production as well as to add a removable filter that will increase effectiveness (potentially 85-95% depending on particle size – airflow path validation is in the works).

These masks will help protect our local front line workers and our community. They will also be provided to high-risk and low-income individuals who have no other means of obtaining protective masks. Additionally, these masks will help keep our families safe and healthy by reducing potential community transmission of the novel coronavirus. This is a 100% volunteer effort. Thank you for your time and attention, and if you feel compelled, your donation.

More information available on Facebook at Face-masks from the Keweenaw.